Police name reckless driver who died after being tased, handcuffed

Police identify reckless driver who died after being tased… (SCPD, SCPD )

July 10, 2013|By Amy Pavuk and Henry Pierson Curtis, Orlando Sentinel

A man being pursued by law-enforcement for crashing into an elementary school fence and reckless driving died after he was tased and handcuffed Wednesday morning, St. Cloud police reported.

Police said that about 6:15 a.m., the suspect — 30-year-old Gerald F. Altomare Jr. — crashed a 1992 Chevrolet pickup truck into the fence at Ross E. Jeffries Elementary School on Vermont Avenue.

A witness who called 911 after the crash told dispatchers Altomare was barreling down the road at about 60 mph with his horn blaring, according to a recording released Wednesday afternoon.

After breaking through the first fence, the driver crashed through a second fence at the back of the school grounds when his truck broke down. The St. Cloud man then ran about six blocks as officers arrived, according to police.

The 911 caller told dispatchers that the sound of the horn stopped after the crash but the caller couldn't tell if the suspect was hurt and did not tell the dispatcher that he saw the man running as police reported.

Officers found Altomare in the area of Fifth Street and Dakota Avenue. Police said he appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Records show Altomare has a lengthy criminal history including several cocaine trafficking and possession arrests and convictions. Police say he was a regular user of cocaine.

Orange County and Osceola County arrests on charges of battery, robbery and grand theft also litter his rap sheet.

Wednesday morning, Altomare was ordered to surrender as he fled police. Officials said he "took a fighting stance," and in response, Altomare was shocked with a stun gun then handcuffed.

While handcuffed, he continued to resist officers, but then went unconscious suddenly, St. Cloud police said.

Emergency medical personnel transported the man to St. Cloud Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident.